Binturongs, sometimes called bearcats, are Southeast Asian carnivores with specialized arboreal lifestyles. Their welfare in zoos requires attention to climbing opportunities, scent marking, and diet variety.
Binturongs in zoo settings require enclosures that facilitate their natural arboreal movement, including strong, varied climbing structures at multiple heights. The inability to scent mark freely causes frustration, as chemical communication is central to their behavioural repertoire. Feeding enrichment must reflect their frugivorous nature while providing appropriate protein sources. As primarily nocturnal animals, daytime zoo viewing can conflict with their natural activity rhythms, and exhibit design should allow retreat from visitor noise and light. Binturongs confiscated from the pet trade often carry behavioural trauma requiring careful rehabilitation and social management decisions.